Core Insights - The high-purity indium industry in China has experienced rapid growth, becoming a crucial support for semiconductor materials, photovoltaic industries, and electronic device manufacturing. However, in 2023, the market faced a significant downturn due to a deep destocking cycle in the semiconductor market and a persistent slump in the consumer electronics market, leading to a 25% year-on-year decline in market size. A recovery is expected in 2024, with the market size projected to reach 2 billion yuan, a 6% increase year-on-year. The industry is anticipated to continue growing, driven by high-end manufacturing and the expansion of the new energy sector, particularly in semiconductor materials as reliance on high-purity indium increases with advancements in 5G communication, artificial intelligence, and data center construction [1][6]. Industry Overview - High-purity indium is a silver-white metal material purified through processes such as electrolysis, chemical cleaning, and vacuum distillation, achieving purity levels from 5N (99.999%) to 7N8 (99.999998%). It is primarily used in the preparation of III-V semiconductor compounds like indium phosphide (InP) and indium antimonide (InSb), as well as in ITO targets and high-purity alloys. The main production methods include electrolysis, vacuum distillation, zone melting, metal-organic compound methods, and low-halogen compound methods [2][3]. Industry Chain - The upstream raw materials for the high-purity indium industry include primary indium and recycled indium. Primary indium is mostly a byproduct of zinc mining, with China being rich in zinc reserves, particularly in Yunnan, Guangxi, and Hunan. Recycled indium is becoming increasingly important due to stricter environmental policies and tight primary indium supply, with secondary resources like waste ITO targets and liquid crystal panel dismantling waste becoming key supplements. The midstream refers to the high-purity indium industry, while the downstream includes applications in semiconductors, electronics, and new energy sectors [4][5]. Market Size and Trends - China is the largest producer of primary indium, holding 72% of the global reserves. In 2024, the production of primary indium in China is expected to reach 688 tons, a 6.5% year-on-year increase. This growth in primary indium production will ensure a stable supply of raw materials for high-purity indium production. The semiconductor industry, which has strict purity requirements, is projected to grow significantly, with the Chinese semiconductor market expected to reach $630.5 billion in 2024, a 43% increase from $440.4 billion in 2020 [5][6]. Competitive Landscape - The competitive landscape shows that overseas markets for high-purity indium and its oxides have advanced technology and established companies like Dowa and Rasa. In contrast, China's high-purity indium industry has been developing rapidly in recent years, with companies like Zhuzhou Keno New Materials Co., Ltd., Yunnan Tin Company Limited, and Henan Yuguang Gold and Lead Co., Ltd. making significant strides [6][7]. Development Trends 1. Recycled indium is becoming a critical support for supply, with the domestic recycled indium production accounting for about 30% of the total. The market share of recycled indium is expected to continue increasing, with companies focusing on improving recovery technologies for waste materials [10]. 2. The industry concentration is expected to rise, with smaller companies facing challenges due to outdated technology and increasing environmental costs. Leading companies are expanding capacity and securing stable raw material supplies through investments in overseas mines and long-term supply agreements [11][12]. 3. Domestic companies are advancing in high-purity indium production, particularly in the 7N grade, which has historically been dominated by Japanese and Korean firms. With government support and increased R&D investment, companies are expected to overcome key technological barriers and promote green processes to enhance purity stability while reducing energy consumption and emissions [13].